Organised by Eskenzi PR in media partnership with the IT Security Guru, the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards aim to shed light on the remarkable women in our industry. The following is a feature on one of 2024’s Top 20 women selected by an esteemed panel of judges. Presented in a Q&A format, the nominee’s answers are written in their own words with minor edits made by the editor for readability and where relevant, supplemented with additional commentary by their nominator.
In 2024, the awards were sponsored by BT, Think Cybersecurity Ltd. and Plexal, with Eskenzi PR, Assured and Women in Cybersecurity UK & Ireland Affiliate as partners.
What does your job role entail?
In my role as a Global Channel Sales Manager at Custodian360, I am deeply passionate about not just meeting sales targets but truly finding the right solutions for our partners and customers. My commitment goes beyond the conventional sales approach; I am dedicated to understanding the intricate needs of our business landscape and building a managed service that aligns with those needs. This role allows me to provide channel sales support across a region or a portfolio of assigned partners or customers, supporting the company’s ongoing sales and growth opportunities.
My responsibilities include bringing new partners on board and nurturing relationships with existing ones, with a keen focus on understanding customer and business needs to effectively cross-sell and up-sell Custodian360’s products. I pride myself on coordinating with other company personnel, including the support and management teams, to ensure delivery and fulfilment of customer and partner expectations.
Acting as a vital bridge for communication, I facilitate seamless interactions between customers, partners, and our engineering team, especially when there is a need for customised products or services. My approach is centred on assessing, clarifying, and validating partner needs and performances at regular intervals, aiming to maintain a high partner satisfaction rate.
Collaboration is key in my role, as I work alongside other sales channels to avoid potential conflicts and partner sales personnel to maximize sales outcomes. My role also involves managing funnels, forecasting, and seizing sales opportunities with a strategic mindset.
Driving and managing sales and marketing campaigns is a crucial part of my role at Custodian360. However, my passion lies in finding the best solutions and building a managed service around them, rather than just selling for the sake of hitting targets. This dedication to understanding and meeting the real needs of our partners and customers is what sets me apart and drives the success of our engagements.
How did you get into the cybersecurity industry?
I genuinely fell into it, I came to help someone out with their new venture and I am still here that was 8 years ago. I feel head over heels for the industry and I could not see myself being anywhere else.
What is one of the biggest challenges you have faced as a woman in the tech/cyber industry and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges I have faced as a woman in the tech/cyber industry is navigating the landscape of gender biases and underrepresentation. Despite the strides towards equality, the tech and cybersecurity fields remain predominantly male-dominated, which can sometimes lead to a sense of isolation and the need to prove one’s competence more than male counterparts.
To overcome this challenge, I focused on building a strong professional network of mentors, allies, and peers, both male and female, who support diversity and inclusion. Networking has been instrumental in providing me with guidance, opportunities for professional development, and a platform to share experiences and strategies for success. I also dedicated myself to community projects and mentoring. This really helped me in building my confidence and resilience.
Additionally, I have actively participated in and contributed to women-focused groups and forums within the tech and cybersecurity community. These groups offer a supportive space to discuss challenges, celebrate achievements, and encourage one another. Through these actions, I have not only been able to navigate the challenges posed by gender biases but also to advocate for greater inclusion and diversity within the industry. By sharing my experiences and supporting other women in tech, I hope to inspire change and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable industry environment.
What are you doing to support other women, and/or to increase diversity, in the tech/cyber industry?
In my ongoing journey of mentorship and advocacy, I remain deeply committed to guiding women through the transformative CAPSLOCK program, a pivotal initiative that empowers individuals seeking to enter the cyber industry. My dedication extends beyond mentorship as I leverage my platform to inspire and encourage women to venture into this dynamic field. The essence of my mission is not just about opening doors but ensuring a sustainable and supportive environment for women at every stage of their careers.
This year, I am particularly focused on a subject close to my heart and life stage: menopause. Recognising its profound impact on women professionals, I am determined to bring this issue to the forefront of industry conversations. My concern is not unfounded; as women navigate the complexities of menopause, the lack of support, understanding, and compassion in the workplace is a glaring issue. Without proper acknowledgment and accommodations, we risk losing invaluable talent and experience.
Therefore, I am making it my mission to advocate for change. By raising awareness and fostering a culture of empathy and support, I aim to ensure that women do not feel compelled to step back from their careers during menopause. It is essential that workplaces evolve to become more inclusive, recognising the unique challenges faced by women at this stage and implementing policies that address their needs.
The cyber industry, like many others, stands to benefit immensely from the diverse perspectives and expertise of women. By retaining and supporting women through all phases of their lives, including menopause, we enrich the industry’s fabric and drive innovation forward. This year, I am dedicating my efforts to ensure that women facing menopause receive the support they need to thrive, not just survive, in their professional environments.
What is one piece of advice you would give to girls/women looking to enter the cybersecurity industry?
One piece of advice that I was given many years ago was “Find your Tribe” . This field, with its vast complexities and ever-evolving challenges, thrives on community and collaboration. Establishing a network of mentors, peers, and allies early on is not just beneficial—it’s essential. Your tribe will be your guiding light, offering you insights from their experiences, encouragement during challenging times, and celebration in your successes. These connections are more than just professional contacts; they are your support system, your sounding board, and often, your cheerleaders. Engaging with a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for cybersecurity can significantly enrich your career.